Serious v Recreational

I had an interesting conversation with the parents of a relatively new student today. During the conversation we discussed the students progress in our classes. While interested in the student continuing with training towards a Black Belt they asked about the difference between adult and children's curriculum. They were worried that in the future their child would have difficulty moving from child Black Belt into adult Black Belt. I explained that while the classes for children are kinder and gentler they learn everything the adults learn. Children learn the same forms, kicks, sparring techniques and protocols as the adults. They also have the same 6 month preparation process prior to the final test.
I have begun to think about my answers and how they actually relate to my students. While my answers were definitely truthful my question is more about curriculum. While at the USAT Nationals I attended a full day coaches conference. Everyone concurred that children could learn everything and do everything adults learn. Children will adapt, classes and drills should be less brutal and there should be more recovery time between drills but there is no reason they cannot learn the same techniques. If we hold them to the same standard should we really spend so much time playing games and making sure they are always having fun. If the average student is only in class two to three hours a week wouldn't they be better served working on curriculum then playing games. There are ways to make traditional TKD drills fun. Should we, for the lack of a better description be "dumbing the classes down" to keep everyone happy or should we not worry about losing the recreational student who won't put forth the effort but likes the social aspects? Do we raise the bar and expect more of all the other students and go for quality over quantity? Will this ultimately bring more students in to the school? Or do we risk becoming elitist and losing our student count?

Steven Lopez....continue?

While the Pan American games are still going on a debate continues to come up. How long should Steven Lopez continue to fight and represent the United States. While I continue to fight and no one loves a competitors attitude and warrior heart more then me. Steve represents a Team and a Country.
Below are the competitions Mr. Lopez has medaled at since 2009.
2009 at Worlds - Gold
2010 Team Trials - Gold
2011 Pan Am Qualifier - Silver
2012 Olympic Trials - Gold
2013 National Team Trials - Gold
2014 US Open - Gold
2014 Team Trials - Gold
2015 Pan Am Team Trials - Gold
2015 Pan Am - Bronze
While he dominates his division in the US, when fighting in International matches he has not done as well. Being 36 years old this list is impressive but one would have to ask if his long time dominance has actually reduced the field of those who would have normally attempted to move up through the ranks and if this is hurting the US chances at International Gold Medals.

Been a While

There has definitely been a lot going on and a while since I posted. Let's start catching up. The new school is up and running in Albany. We have a great group of kids and adults. Hopefully the school will continue to grow both in quantity and quality. It is truly a great feeling to be on the ground floor of a new school. So different when there is no parent network and all the kids are making new friends. Gives me a lot of fresh topics to discuss and allows for a lot of input...so feel free!

Caveat emptor (buyer beware)

In trying to stay up to date on my teaching and my art, I subscribe to numerous blogs, websites and Twitter accounts. I read up on news articles and training articles. I recently came across a video of what was reported to be a black belt test in NYC. The representation was so bad, there was debate on whether the video was meant as a joke or was serious. Now it is not for me to question anyone else's training or skill. I did however want to note that if you are signing up for any kind of class, whether it is martial arts or pottery you should gather information before making a decision.  Research your instructors and verify their credentials. Visit more then one school. Ask everyone you know for recommendations. You may save a few bucks initially,  but end up in a school  totally inappropriate for what you want. Know the differences between the different martial arts. Is the school geared toward the art or competition?  Is it ground and pound or all forms?  Who teaches the classes?  Meet them before you start. Watch a class or two. Take an intro lesson. It is your money and your body, make sure you are getting everything you want from your classes.

Back seat driving at TKD?

  In the world of martial arts, we are very lucky for many reasons. We enjoy a great job and it is a unique profession that people cannot just walk in and do. We have the joy of working with children and at the same time, usually do not have to worry about over bearing parents who must live their life through their children. Sports like baseball, football, basketball and even gymnastics suffer hugely from the "expert" parents who know so much... However, they can never put forth the time or effort to actually coach, yet have no problem expounding their expertise to everyone within earshot.  Sometimes, individuals will assume the role of coach with the sole intent of "pushing" their child or ensuring their child will be a starting member of the team.  In martial arts, it takes years of practice before you are allowed anywhere near a beginner. That kind of dedication hopefully weeds out those types.
  If it is all so wonderful why do I bring it up? I do so because while this is the rule, there are always exceptions. If your child had a broken arm, and you were a CPA would you explain to the doctor how to reset the arm? If you had this ability why visit the doctor in the first place? The same goes for martial arts. I am a teacher and still a student.  I love suggestions. I love questions. I live to find new ways to make my students better martial artists, but I am the one who has devoted years of training and practice to do this. Our school has open classes and encourage families to come and watch we do not encourage you to come and coach. Our openness and welcoming nature is not a weakness. It is a strength. It is our confidence in our methods and experience that allow us to invite you to watch. Trust in our instruction.  It is why you came to us in the first place. Help us guide your loved ones to their individual martial arts goals.

Working hard or hardly working.

  Well I have probably brought this up before but becoming a black belt is not easy. Actually getting any belt in martial arts takes time and effort. There are always some people who will work harder then others. Sometimes it may be a factor of age, maturity, injury or schedule conflicts. Nobody can understand how life may interfere with the desire to train more than myself. What I cannot understand is people who choose to follow this path but do not devote a enough amount of time to it.  Sure, everyone has an off-day or may have difficulty with a specific area. People need help all the time. None of this is an issue overall to any instructor, provided you are putting in effort the rest of the time. What can try on an instructors patience is the students who don't put in the minimum until two to three weeks before a test, then want extra help to make sure they meet the requirements and can move on in the process. The study of martial arts is an ongoing process with each step building on the previous steps. When at a lower belt level it may be possible to cram for the test and get away with it. This however will likely come back to haunt you, especially when striving for that black belt.  No matter how many times an instructor may warn students of this impending trouble some people just don't want to believe it will happen to them.

Physical and Mental Health

  Everyday I talk about how great it is to teach and train. I am lucky to do something I enjoy. Not everyone has that luxury. So everyday I see adults coming in after a bad day at home or at work. I know when this was me all I hoped for was a great workout so I could sweat and forget about everything else. As I great all the students coming in and out everyday I hope we give them some kind of escape. I know they definitely get a physical workout but I like to provide a fun place to go where people can escape from the rest of their life if only for an hour. Medical science has taught us that stress is as dangerous to us as anything else. Hopefully we are providing a cure for that.
  Everything we do is not considered a standard social activity by everyone but we try to get everyone involved. A few weeks ago we had a golf outing, this weekend we have a trip to the Great Escape and the black belts have a three hour test coming up in a few weeks. Not all these things match everyone's idea of a fun afternoon. I will have done all three and unless something out of the ordinary happens I will have a great time at all three events. This is not because of what I am doing but because of the people I am with. If you are training make sure you are getting everything you can out of your school. Make sure you not only get physically stronger but mentally stronger and get rid of your stress. Make a new friend, have some fun.

Ups and Downs.

  Like any job teaching, has its ups and downs and despite all the fun, it is possible to have a bad day. There are some things that can become routine and some things you never get tired of. I know that I look at some things different then other instructors and that is okay as long as everyone is learning what they should and having fun.Today I had one of the moments I love. It was very short and nobody probably even noticed except me and the student involved.
  The background to this moment is last week a student pushed them-self beyond their physical limit even after I said something. No injury occurred but there was a risk. The student was in a zone and was really pushing themselves. I didn't realize how much effort until now. Today the student came to me and explained how due to an issue they have never been able to keep up with the numerous jocks in their family and yet despite these limitations, has done more at TKD then they ever believed possible. The student then asked for me to work out a way to slow the student down as needed for their own good. WOW! What a compliment to me, the other instructors and TKD itself. I feel great the student is getting something out of our classes they were never able to get before. I love to see that kind of fire burning inside a student. It makes every other day very worth while.

The new week begins.

  Well the new week has started where last week left off. Paddle targets and alley drills with paddle targets. A lot of sweat and then some forms practice. Finally finishing with another workout. Adult class was really on the ball and red stripes were given out to pretty much everyone. Very impressive. The kids classes are doing really well. Hopefully everyone who needs help will come in for the extra help that is being offered.
  Saturday was our Black Belt power classes and the class did not disappoint neither did the Black Belts. Hard work was met by perseverance and a great morning workout was had by everyone. The pace is really starting to pick up. There is less then a month to go and we will be having three days of testing. All the color belts and black belts will be testing. We will be having a demonstration at the test and also for the Town of North Greenbush at there Youth Day event on September 7th. Hopefully everyone will participate in the 5k that morning it will be fun.

End of the week, beginning of black belt.

The end of another TKD week approaches. Everyone really put in a good effort. Tonight was the Phase 1 test for all our Bodans and Black Belts moving up to the next level. A great job was done by all. There were some small mistakes made but nothing worrisome. Every time a new class of black belts steps forward I remember the flood of emotions that goes along with all the hard work. Wondering if each move is the right one and the concentration on foot and hand position. You can see the worry in their faces and the thrill and excitement as each task is completed successfully. I hope they all take the time to savor the the experience. So few people who start this adventure make it to black belt and even fewer make it to the advanced levels. This is one of those moments in life that should be held on to forever. Something to be proud of and something that can never be taken away. This is one of the times in a persons life they can look back on no matter what else is going on and feel good about. It supplies confidence, accomplishment and camaraderie.
If there is a TKD soapbox, I am always on it. But I figure if you are reading this, you must be on it as well.

Yes you can! YOU DID!

  The drills this week have been harder then most of the students have been used to in regular class. I have noticed everyone stepped up to the plate and gave more than ever before. Hopefully they all realize how awesome they did and they feel great. Perhaps they may feel tired and great.
  There is nothing better then seeing someone surpass what they thought was their aerobic or anaerobic threshold. Pushing past the pain, fear and self doubt and just going for it. It doesn't matter why you're doing it or what your past best is. It doesn't matter what everybody else in the room is doing. If you do more today then yesterday and plan on doing more tomorrow then you are awesome.

Part II on choosing class workouts.

  Well lets make this part II on training. I added a new drill at least for a good portion of the students today. It is a target sparring exercise "bull in the ring". The idea is to keep kicking and punching despite fatigue. Student build cardio endurance and muscle endurance and learn that they can keep going past whatever fatigue point they previously thought was the end. It also builds confidence and is great for team building. I could tell right away some more experienced students really enjoyed it despite the hard work involved. As I looked around I was not quite sure everyone understood the method and idea behind the exercise. I questioned myself yesterday about training methods and why certain instructors choose some methods over others. I was pleased today to have received a thank you for yesterdays workout and a few positive online comments. This does not mean every class is right for everyone just that some people enjoyed one class.
  This brings me to the point that students need to concentrate on their workouts as much as the instructor does. They need to understand the purpose and goals for each workout and to make sure then can accomplish these without injury. (Note injuries can happen doing anything in class) If a student does not know why they are doing an exercise, drill or even a certain movement they should ask the instructor why. The explanation should be logical and make sense. The instructor should never do anything to intentionally put a student in a position to be hurt. Class should be fun but if you never breathe heavy or work up a good sweat then you are not doing it right.
  On a side note I did make sure at the end of "bull in the ring" tonight that everyone understood why we were doing the exercise we did. I believe everyone understood and hopefully appreciated the workout.

Choosing training methods.

  Every once in a while as I prepare for class I wonder what causes instructors to choose certain exercises over others. I have spent years being trained, watching training videos, reading books about training, training for tournaments and helping others train. I of course have certain favorites and believe certain aspects help long term. I like to cross train in order to build power, speed and stamina. Today I needed to choose some drills with shield targets. I first chose partner drills for some power kicking and then switched to my favorite standby alley drills.I know some people do not look forward to these but I believe these provide the basis to build stamina, power and speed.
  I believe no matter what reason you take TKD or any martial art class if one of your goals is to get in shape or to be able to defend yourself then stamina and endurance are essential. A person who needs to defend themselves does not want to be the first one to run out of energy. You are only as strong as your last punch or kick. I guess in the hopes of making my students better I may sometimes choose the harder exercise but I will always believe the student is better for it.

Black belt prep.

  Back at work today. Summer camp is packed with kids and energy. It gives us a good chance to get them extra help so they are all ready for the upcoming test. It does however make it difficult to get the day to day work done. The kids get an added bonus this week as it is street clothes week so they can wear what they want. A little extra freedom but it also allows for a little real world feel to the training.
  So far a lot of the black belt candidates seem to be giving a good amount attention to their responsibilities and the parents seem to get it. There will always be some who don't realize that for 4 years of work to culminate in a black belt then effort and serious attention must be given to the process. The black belt exam process is designed to make sure you are mentally and physically prepared to have the black belt and move on to the training that follows. It is not supposed to be an ending it is meant to be a beginning. If it was designed so that all you have to do is show up for class twice a week and go to a test and you receive a black belt everyone would do it. Physical and mental preparation are essential to reach this goal. Hopefully everyone stays on track and November brings nothing but hard work, sweat and success.

Great golf outing and hard work to come

  The golf outing is over but what a great day. It was terrific to have all the different people connected to our school get together and enjoy a beautiful day on the course and be able to share lunch and dinner together. The laughs were non stop and not just because of what I wore. My pants did get noticed however. I can see this golf open quickly becoming an annual event. It is great when we can spend time outside class. It is nice to learn more about the people you train with and more about their families.   We head back to class this week with summer camp starting again. There are some big groups joining us these last three weeks of camp. There is only a few weeks left before tests. Color belts and black belts have important work to do. We have a lot of fun and sweat ahead of us.

Great team, great decisions.

  Once again the demo team stepped up and did an awesome job. They gave the kids at the camp we visited today a great time. Not only did they then put on a great demo some of the members did segments they had never done before. Power kicks, triple kicks,nunchucks, bo staff and flying kicks made for a great show. These kids came in early this morning practiced for nearly an hour then went to the event, came back ate lunch, rested and helped with the evening classes.
  It turned out to be a good night when one of our students brought in free tickets to our local semi-pro baseball team. As each class ended students and instructors slowly slipped out to meet at the ball park. Being the last to arrive I was worried I was going to miss most everything. Luckily I was able to watch the end of the game. I laughed as my son and the other kids retrieved foul balls and gift towels all of which also got autographed at the end of the game. A very well run program.
  My highlight came as one of the families came to me to say thank you. Their daughter a member of our mighty mite program came to me gave me a hug and kiss and gave me a picture she colored. As we were leaving the game I had a chance to talk to an old friend and former student. I asked her if she would be coming back to join us. I told her when I had returned after my previous absence it was the best thing I had ever done. She asked me to explain why it  had been such a good decision. At that same moment the same little girl came running up to say goodbye again and jumped in my arms giving me a big choking hug. I explained to my old friend that this was the reason it was such a good decision.

First day back in class.

  I always wonder what it takes to build confidence in someone. In some students it is board breaking. You see it in their eyes when that first board breaks. Some students it is the first time they compete. They get out on the mat and give everything they have in front of a crowd and after that there is no stopping them.  The same goes for working through the first belt test. Sometimes it is sparring and maybe getting that first head kick. Then there are those students who can't exactly make the connection. Some have immense amounts of talent but just don't see it in themselves. I try very hard to use positive reinforcement over and over with those students who struggle.
  I especially get hung up on people who claim they can't spar or can't spar well. Like anything it is something that takes practice. Perhaps going to an extra sparring class and always listening to your instructor or coach. They can see the big picture as you progress from match to match. For some reason probably because of fear of contact, sparring can take the longest time to build confidence.
  I understand every personality is different and some people just don't like to spar. I just wish I had the magic trick to bring students around quickly and full of confidence. I guess this is why it is called learning and if it was easy everyone would do it.  

Vacation is over.

  Kudos to our demo team. Once again they are volunteering to give up part of their summer vacation to help introduce Tae Kwon Do to other kids. So far this summer our demo team has given introductory lessons and demonstration to hundreds of capital district kids at 4 different summer camps. This Thursday we go to our 5th summer camp. Some of our demo team members do this while also working with students at our own summer camp and also attending regular classes in the evening. It is great to see this kind of healthy dedication and teamwork.
  I unfortunately keep hearing about a rash of serious drug use going on at a couple of our local schools. I can't help but hope that our students when confronted with these choices are strong enough to make the correct ones. The dedication and hard work of these kids makes me confident in their ability to follow the correct path that has been laid out for them.  

  First day back at class. Kids all had a pretty good day. Needed to work on forms. I know it is summer but a little practice at home goes a long way. The adult class got a welcome back workout with plenty of cardio. We worked up a good sweat, worked on our forms and finished up with a nice stretch.
  Sometimes I wonder if it is better when students come in totally motivated and ready to go or when they come in a little slow and we can draw that never quit attitude out. I suppose as long as everyone works hard and learns something new then it's a good day.

Vacation is over but Shark Week is here. Back to the world of kicks to the head tomorrow. It has only been a week but I really miss all the students and our team. There is a lot going on this month so we really need to hit the ground running. Before the end of the month everyone (color belts and black belts) has to be ready for Septembers tests. We have Black Belt prep classes and Black Belt power classes. The golf outing on the 10th and Great Escape trip on the 23rd.

It's a bad week to be a seal but a good week to be a golfer.